The Exiles failed in their bid to overturn a panel of inquiry's original decision to deduct points and fine them for playing Tyson Keats in 10 Aviva Premiership games this season while he was ineligible. However London Welsh did welcome the removal of a further five-point penalty that was suspended until the end of next season, which they said justified their decision to appeal.

Mike Scott, the former London Welsh team manager, has been banned for life from rugby after he admitted supplying false information regarding New Zealander Keats, including a forged passport, to the Rugby Football Union.

A statement from London Welsh added: "The club also believes that this cause of action was necessary to restore the good name of the London Welsh RFC, as once it became clear what had happened, the club made every effort to 'remedy the situation' and did not, at any stage, deliberately attempt to deceive the RFU - a point acknowledged by the panel in their findings.

"The club maintains, however, that it has ultimately been punished for the completely unnecessary fraudulent actions of one individual, whose actions the panel accepted 'could not have been predicted'."

London Welsh chief executive Tony Copsey added: "We are particularly disappointed for the players, who've given everything they can for the club, and ultimately it is they who have been punished for something completely beyond their control.

"However, there are still four games remaining in the season, and the focus and efforts of the players, the coaching staff and everyone at London Welsh is now on those remaining matches."